We resolved 1, 2-diphenylethylamine (DPEA) into its (S)-and (R)-enantiomer and used them as precursors for synthesis of (S)-and (R)-1-(1, 2-diphenylethyl) piperidine, flexible homeomorphs of the NMDA channel blocker MK-801. We also describe the synthesis of the dicyclohexyl analogues of DPEA. These and related compounds were tested as inhibitors of [3H] MK-801 binding to rat brain membranes. Stereospecificity ranged between factors of ...